Non-symmetrical wire clip for clotheslines

ABSTRACT

An improved wire clip  10  to better keep hung garments  22  separated when suspending onto clotheslines  30 . Also useful for hanging banners  22 , the clip  10  offers a non-symmetrically centered axis  20  which is perpendicular to the line  30 . A friction body  14  provides a pressure means by a fulcrum locus  14 -A opposing a counter locus  14 -B; a catch tail  16  is provided for suspending the garment  22 . The weight of the suspended garment  22  leverages the body  14  at the non-symmetrical axis  20  which disposes the fulcrum  14 -A, and opposes the counter  14 -B to create increased pressure onto the line  30.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to various clothesline clips, intended to keep laundry separately arranged when on garments hangers suspended onto the line. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved wire clip to better keep the hung garments separated.

BACKGROUND ART

For centuries the practice of suspending garments directly onto clotheslines by use of clothespins has been both compelling although unfavorable. Often clotheslines are located outdoors and tend to accumulate environmental dirt which can easily stain dampened laundry. Also, the use of clothespins directly onto the garments tends to cause winkles by the pressure from the pins grasping onto the line.

The preferred use of clotheslines is to put the laundry directly onto the hangers and suspend them from the line. However, without the use of a clothesline clip the weight of the hung laundry slides towards the middle of the spanned line. This reduces the air flow between the garments which increases the time needed for drying. Although modern technology such as clothes dryer machines has reduced the need for clotheslines, increased energy costs are reverting some consumers back to hanging laundry.

Clotheslines can vary in diametrical size, rigidity, and material types. Some lines are made of steel wire which tends to be the most rigid; these comprise the smallest diameter. Some lines are made of aluminum normally clad in plastic sheathing; these tend to be diametrically larger than steel lines. Other lines are made of flexible nylon or plastic tubing which tends to comprise an even larger diametric size. Finally, there are lines mostly used indoors which are made of rope or cord ranging from narrow to wide diameters. These tend to be the most flexible type of lines.

Many inventive clips have been introduced to help keep clothes hangers with laundered garments separated when suspended onto clotheslines, individually all presenting virtues and tribulations. Prior art clips mainly provide a friction pressure means for clasping onto the line; and a symmetrically centered catch for suspending the hanger therefrom. Several types of prior clips include: a) spring clamps; b) fabric straps; c) united brackets; d) modified hangers; e) plastic flaps; f) line spacers; and g) wire clips, the focus of the improvements herein.

A) Spring Clamps such as with U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,759 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,951 normally apply pressure onto the clothesline by use of torsion springs. They provide separate members with opposing jaws to clamp the hanger onto the line. Although these are effective, they comprise several moving parts. Clamps are also susceptible to breaking as the members can separate, thus easily rendering such devices as inoperable.

B) Fabric Straps such as with U.S. Pat. No. 3,193,235 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,760 are less complicated than clamps, often produced of materials such as nylon or cloth combined with a buckle means. Normally, one end of the strap is knotted onto the clothesline while the opposite end comprises the buckle for suspending the clothes hanger. However, straps tend to lack sufficient pressure for applying onto the line for keeping the clothes separated. This is apparent when using heavier straps onto diametrically smaller lines such as steel.

C) United Brackets such as with U.S. Pat. No. 3,240,462 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,174 are normally made of stamped steel developed to interlock with specialized clothes hanger hooks. Like clamps these devices require a heavier gauge steel as they often hinge, which tends to be more expensive comparable to plastic or thin wire hangers. Some have been designed to actually omit conventional suspension onto closet hanger poles.

D) Modified Hangers such as with U.S. Pat. No. 1,690,614 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,474,429 normally comprise an improved hook designed into the clothes hanger hook which captures the clothes line. However, again such hangers require heavier gauges of steel often chromed plated, which tends to be expensive compared to plastic hangers that can be purchased each for as little as $0.10 USD. Also note that adding features as to modify plastic hangers requires new injection molds which manufacturers are unwilling to incur.

E) Plastic Flaps such as with U.S. Pat. No. 3,184,204 and U.S. Pat. No. D408,724 are often molded from flexible plastic such as High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) similar to that of plastic food containers. They engage the clothesline by folding or flapping over as to compress onto the line, and, normally have a catch centralized as to suspend the clothes hanger hook. However, in order to suspend the hook from the catch it has to be precisely tilted for insertion which creates additional efforts.

F) Line Spacers such as with U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,691 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,399 are devices similar to steel tubing or modified channel, comprising equally spaced perforations for suspending the clothes hangers. These can be very bulk and again expensive especially when needing to adapt multiple clotheslines. Originally these were suggested for use with clothes hangers made of thin wire. However, modern hangers are mostly made of plastic which will not fit into the smaller perforations. As with plastic flaps, the hanger hook has to also be precisely tilted for insertion.

G) Wire Clips such as with U.S. Pat. No. 950,148; U.S. Pat. No. 1,623,919; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,147,731 seem to be the most practical of all the suspension clips. These are simpler to manufacture and easier to apply onto the clothesline. Prior art wire clips are mostly formed from rigid steel, normally eliminating added components accept the friction pressure means and the catch. However, some are more complicated with opposing members and self contained springs similar to the clamps.

A commonality has been noted with the prior art clips mentioned above, that all provide a symmetrically centered friction pressure means and catch to suspend the hanger therefrom. This can be taught by applying any prior clip onto a clothesline and determining that it's symmetrically center axis is perpendicular to the linear axis of the clothesline. The reader will clearly see that a suspended garment would also be centered under the clip.

In the opinion of the inventor, the symmetrically centered axis actually limits the amount of pressure applied onto the line by the clip. Concerning those clips that use mechanical pressure such as springs and jaws to lock onto the line, the pressure is limited by the force of the mechanics. For those that use gravity to lock onto the line, obviously the pressure is limited by the weight of the suspended garment.

Because of the history of all the various prior art, this concept seems to be the most feasible method of suspension. Simply stated, prior clips including wire have never offered any other suspension configuration except for the symmetrically centered axis. Therefore, any limitations of the friction pressure applied onto the clothesline have not been so obvious for those skilled in the art. In spite of this, the inventor has determined that an improved wire clip could better keep hung laundry separated onto clotheslines.

A simple friction concept has been exhibited in other arts which uses the weight of an object, or internal biasing forces that increases pressure by a non-symmetrical axis. For over a hundred years such devices include pullers, vertical supports, and checks for door closers. Nonetheless, these devices alone pose various limitations if ever applied onto clotheslines.

U.S. Pat. No. 586,762 is a rope gripper for pulling a cable car on a railway. However, this device is limited to a single revolution in the pressure means. If conceptually applying it onto a clothesline, it would easily detach from the line when there were no hung garment suspended from the catch.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,064,933 is a self-locking pole clip for hanging items similar to flower pots. However, this device comprises a pressure means that defines an elliptical shape when viewing for the axial projection. If conceptually applying it onto a clothesline, it would sag from the weight of the garment suspended form the catch. This would be especially evident with flexible and narrow rope lines.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,435 is a check mechanism for screen door closers. However, this device uses coils which are completely enclosed. If conceptually applying this device onto a clothesline, the user would be required to first remove the line in order to install a clip for suspending garments.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,521 is clip-on bracket for suspending industrial items for metal plating. However, this device comprises a double ended pressure means which actually reverts back to the symmetrically centered axis. If conceptually applying this device onto a clothesline, it simply wouldn't operate.

It now becomes apparent that an improved, less complicated wire clip for suspending hung garments onto clotheslines is immediately necessary. Such a new clip only requires a non-symmetrical axis. Resultantly, all prior designs could render as obsolete including clamps, straps, brackets, modified hangers, plastic flaps, line spacers, and prior wire clips.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an improved wire clip now providing a non-symmetrically centered axis, which disposes a non-symmetrical friction pressure means and catch to better keep laundry separately arranged when suspended onto clotheslines.

Objects of these inventions are to utilize the weight of a suspended garment, to leverage the clip at the non-symmetrical axis which disposes a fulcrum locus and opposes a counter locus, thus increasing the friction pressure applied onto the clothesline. Other objects of these inventions are to decrease the drying time of laundry by improving the airflow between the garments. Other objects of these inventions are to slash energy costs as to not rely on clothes drying machines.

The non-symmetrical wire clip utilizes a one-piece wire or molded configuration having only three main sections: a clutch head for grasping onto the line; a friction body applying pressure onto the line by concentric revolutions coiled in either linear direction away from the non-symmetrical axis; and a catch tail for suspending the clothes hanger therefrom. Objects of these inventions are to create the most simplistic and reliable wire clip succeeding all prior clips.

Other objects of these inventions are to utilize both linear directions of the clothesline, one direction for locking the clip onto the line, the other direction for unlocking the clip from the line. Other objects of these inventions are for securing two clips in opposing directions to span banners and lightweight collapsible panels onto lines for such purposes as advertising, temporary room dividers, and any other useful purpose.

The concentric coils within the body which apply the friction pressure onto the clothesline is substantially greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions. Objects of these inventions are to permit easy installation of the clip onto the line. Other objects of these inventions are to permit a clip which doesn't require removal after usage in order to use conventional clothespins onto the line. Other objects of these inventions are to suspend garments from the friction body in order to use the clip on substantially flexible lines.

The wire clip can be made from either rigid or softer metal, unclad or clad in flexible sheathing, or molded from durable plastic or synthetics. Objects of these inventions are to create a universal clip for all clothesline types including rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin. Other objects of these inventions are to suspend garment on clotheslines in either a parallel or perpendicular axial formation onto the line. Other objects of these inventions are to create a safer clip which does not have sharp nor protruding edges. Other objects of these inventions are to provide a variety of clip designs incorporating all the inventive concepts herein.

These and further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the invention, a wire clip suspending a garment onto a clothesline.

FIG. 2 shows the first step of the installation procedure for the clip.

FIG. 3 shows the second step of the installation procedure for the clip.

FIG. 4 shows a clothesline suspending laundry separated by use of numerous clips.

FIG. 5 is a sectional cross-view of the clip mounted onto the line.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment for the inventive clip.

FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment for the inventive clip.

FIG. 8 shows a banner suspended by use of two opposing clips.

FIG. 9 shows a reference list.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the invention, an improved wire clip 10 offering a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 perpendicular to the clothesline 30 and its axis 32. A friction body 14 provides a pressure means by a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B. A catch tail 16 is provided for the suspended garment 22.

The weight of the suspended garment 22 from the catch 16 leverages the friction body 14 at the non-symmetrical axis 20 which disposes the fulcrum locus 14-A, and opposes the counter locus 14-B to create the increased pressure onto the line 30.

The clip 10 now provides a non-symmetrical 20 friction pressure means 14 and catch 16 to better keep the hung laundry separated onto clotheslines. The pressure applied by the loci 14-A and 14-B is increased by additional biasing means 28 such as windy conditions 28-A.

The clip 10 is formed by a one-piece wire or molded configuration having only three main sections: a clutch head 12; a friction body 14; and a catch tail 16. The clip 10 can be made from durable plastic or synthetics, flexible or rigid wire either clad or unclad; or spring steel.

The clutch head 12 is for grasping the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30. The head 12 could be easily adjust to various line 30 types including rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin.

The friction body 14 applies the pressure onto the clothesline 30 by a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B, which form a concentric coiled body 14 twisted in either linear direction away from the non-symmetrical axis 20.

The coil forming the body 14 is substantially greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions. This permits easy installation of the clip 10 onto the line 30 and universal application for all type of lines 30. It also permits suspend garments 22 to hang from the body 14 when using clips 10 on substantially flexible lines 30. Such lines might over-flex if typically suspending heavier garments 30 from the catch tail 16.

The catch tail 16 is provided for suspending the garment 22 and clothes hanger 24 therefrom. When forming a clip 10 from softer metal such a copper wire clad in a flexible sheath, the catch 16 could be easily bent in any position even to permit suspended garments 22 to hang perpendicular with the clothesline 30 and its axis 32. This could be useful for suspending banners lightweight banners similar to suspended garments 22.

Please note that for this embodiment both the head 12 and catch 16 have trim caps 18 which are not particular to the function of the clip 10. These are provided only for finishing purposes. When the clip 10 is molded from durable plastic or synthetics, or formed from chromed steel, these caps 18 can be fabricated into the finished clip 10. Also note that the clip 10 does not have sharp nor protruding edges.

The clip 10 utilizes both linear directions of the clothesline 30 along its axis 32. Normal biasing means 28 from the weight of the suspended garment 22 will lock the clip 10 onto the line 30. When reversing the bias 28 towards the other direction will easily unlock the clip 10 from the line 30.

Please note that the compact and durable clip 10 doesn't require that it be removed from the clothesline 30, if the user chooses to use clothespins onto the line 30. The clips 10 can be easily slid in either direction, or simply kept in position and not interfere with the clothespins.

FIGS. 2-3 show simple installation for the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30. Using one hand to hold the catch 16, the clip 10 is generally placed against the line 30. Using the other hand to hold the head 12, the body 14 is then simultaneously twisted onto the line 30.

FIG. 4 shows numerous clips 10 separately suspending laundry 22 onto a clothesline 30. The hung garments 22 remaining separated onto the clothesline 30 even during conditions which are windy 28-A. The simple and reliable clip 10 will slash energy costs too, and save time as consumers will not need to as often rely on clothes dryers.

FIG. 5 is a sectional cross-view of the clip 10 mounted onto the line 30. Note that the body 14 coiled onto the line 30 is greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions. Note that the weight of the suspended garment 22 naturally positions the catch 16 on the Y axis, thus leveraging the fulcrum locus 14-A and the counter locus 14-B slightly off-center.

FIGS. 6-7 show alternative embodiments for the clip 10. FIG. 6 shows that the catch 16 could face the friction body 14 and remain effective as the pressure is still leveraged at the non-symmetrically centered axis 20. FIG. 7 shows that the catch tail 16 could be positioned to permit suspended garments 22 to hang perpendicular to the clothesline axis 32. Note that body 14 comprising the loci 14-A and 14-B is twisted in an opposite direction from FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 8 shows the clip 10 for use suspending a banner 22 onto a line 30. The clip 10 is capable of capturing both linear directions along the line's axis 32. Normal pull bias 28-B from the weight of the suspended banner 22 will lock the clip 10 onto the line 30. For retail stores, a permanent line 30 could be used to easily interchange advertising 22. When suspending a banner 22, only two clips 10 per edge would be required to oppose each other onto the line 30.

FIG. 9 is a reference list.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention comprises the use of an improved wire clip to better keep the hung garments separated onto clotheslines. The simplistic nature of the reliable clip succeeds all prior clips including spring clamps; fabric straps; united brackets; modified hangers; plastic flaps; line spacers; and prior wire clips.

Benefits include savings in time to finish laundry, and money by reducing energy costs. Furthermore, the clip can be used with banners and advertising panels for retail stores. Other usage could include suspending lightweight panels or tarps during remodeling phases, where the need to temporarily divide a space to protect from dust often presents a dilemma.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for demonstrative purposes only, and are not considered limited upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims set forth it is my intent to all the inventions discovered, except as I am limited by the prior art. From this disclosure, various changes or improvements may occur wherein any applicable claims are intended to be included therein. 

1. A method for drying laundered garments 22 on garment hangers 24 suspended onto a clothesline 30, said method utilizes a wire clip 10 comprising a concentrically coiled friction body 14 for applying a friction pressure means for locking said clip 10 onto said line 30; and a non-symmetrically centered catch 16 for suspending the hanger 24 therefrom, said method including: applying said clip 10 to the line 30 by locating its non-symmetrical axis 20 thereto; twisting said friction body 14 onto the line 30 linearly away from its non-symmetrical axis 20; suspending said laundry 22 from the catch 16 to leverage the clip 10 by the non-symmetrical axis 20; disposing a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B within said friction body 14; whereby said clip 10 creates increased pressure applied onto the line 30 to better keep the laundry 22 separately arranged when suspended on the garments hangers 24, thus reducing the time needed for drying.
 2. A wire clip 10 intended to keep suspended laundry 22 separately arranged on garments hangers 24 hung onto a clothesline 30, comprising a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 perpendicular to said clothesline 30 and its axis 32; a concentrically coiled friction body 14 providing a fulcrum locus 14-A located upon said non-symmetrical axis 20 opposing a counter locus 14-B; a catch tail 16 for a suspending said garment 22 therefrom; whereby the weight of said garment 22 suspended from the catch 16 leverages the friction body 14 at the non-symmetrical axis 20 which disposes the fulcrum locus 14-A, and opposes the counter locus 14-B to create the increased pressure onto the line
 30. 3. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, the concentrically coiled body 14 substantially forms greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions when applied onto the line
 30. 4. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, an adjustable clutch head 12 for grasping the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30, including those which are rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin.
 5. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, composition from molded plastic or synthetics, formed from flexible or rigid wire either clad or unclad; or spring steel.
 6. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, trim caps 18 on the end of clutch head 12 and catch tail
 16. 7. A wire clip 10 intended to keep suspended banners 22 and the like, separately arranged onto a line 30, comprising a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 perpendicular to said clothesline 30 and its axis 32; a concentrically coiled friction body 14 providing a fulcrum locus 14-A located upon said non-symmetrical axis 20 opposing a counter locus 14-B; a catch tail 16 for a suspending said banner 22 therefrom; whereby the weight of said banner 22 suspended from the catch 16 leverages the friction body 14 at the non-symmetrical axis 20 which disposes the fulcrum locus 14-A, and opposes the counter locus 14-B to create the increased pressure onto the line
 30. 8. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, the concentrically coiled body 14 substantially forms greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions when applied onto the line
 30. 9. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, an adjustable clutch head 12 for grasping the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30, including those which are rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin.
 10. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, composition from molded plastic or synthetics, formed from flexible or rigid wire either clad or unclad; or spring steel.
 11. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, trim caps 18 on the end of the clutch head 12 and catch tail
 16. 